5 kid-friendly denver restaurants for a fun family night out
Dining Out with Kids in Denver: A Survival Guide (From One Mom to Another)
My husband and I were those silly people who thought we would just tote our kids wherever. “They’ll keep up with us!” “They can nap wherever we are!” “They’ll eat what we give them!” So many claims, so many lessons learned.
While I do agree with those statements (to some degree), we also had to learn that some battles are best left at home. To enjoy a fun night out as a family, we began searching for restaurants that had it all: good food for the grown ups and a fun environment for the kids. Which brings me to presenting our favorite kid-friendly restaurants in Denver for a fun night out.
After a long day of travel, the kids needed to let off some steam. Not exactly dinner table behavior, but we let it slide.
The photo above isn’t exactly a picture-perfect example of how I want my kids to behave at the table. But after a long day of travel, we found ourselves tucked into a tiny rooftop restaurant—just us, no one else around. And let’s just say, Scott and I enjoyed a little wine… and let the wheels fall off! Sometimes that’s what you have to do to survive!
let’s agree on what can make or break a kid-friendly night (or morning) out:
Go with the Early Crowd
Beat the crowds, dodge the meltdowns, and actually enjoy your meal. An early dinner means less waiting, a calmer atmosphere, and a better chance your kiddo stays in a good mood. Unless you have a unicorn, most kids are happier eating early and being tucked into bed at a decent time (which leaves time for you to enjoy a little wine and a movie!)Call Ahead or Make a Reservation
Nothing ruins the night faster than showing up to find out there’s an hour-long wait. Call ahead to check wait times or see if they take reservations—your future self will thank you.Brings Fun Things to Play
Stickers, coloring books, a quiet toy, even a box of bandaids to unwrap—whatever keeps little hands busy while you sip your drink in peace. One of my personal favorites to bring were sticker books and fun stickers. In a sticker book the kids can take the stickers on and off to move them around! Screens? No shame if it buys you five extra minutes. However, my husband and I personally chose to not make screens a habit. It’s been a hard one for friends of ours to break as their kids got too old for a screen at the table.Start Small, Keep It Casual
Not every meal out needs to be a fancy experience. Start with a casual, quick-service spot and work your way up to the “real” restaurants once your kids get the hang of it. Now that our kids are a bit older, they have had many experiences and can appreciate the good service and unique flavors of an upscale restaurant. But there’s no reason to rush this! Start easy and work your way up. For now, hire a sitter so you can truly enjoy the 5 stars without distraction.Know the Menu Before You Go
Scan the menu online so you’re not frantically searching for something your picky eater will tolerate. Bonus: You can order as soon as you sit down, cutting down on the waiting game.Employ a Little "Strategic Motivation"
A little reward for good behavior never hurt. Whether it’s dessert, extra playtime, or a fun treat afterward—sometimes a little motivation works wonders.Sit Outside Whenever Possible
Fresh air, extra space, and fewer side-eyes when your toddler inevitably drops (or throws) something. Patio dining is the way to go.Be OK with Failure
We do the best we can, but there’s no controlling some meltdowns. Restaurants are sensory overload! It’s only fair to the other patrons to take your wailing little outside when they get overwhelmed. When all else fails, be ready to pack up and go. Pay the check early, get food to-go, and make a quick exit if necessary. No judgement—just survival mode.
Support the Kid-Friendly MVPs
Denver has plenty of restaurants that want families to dine there. Seek out spots with play areas, kids' menus, and a welcoming vibe—it makes all the difference.
Now go forth and enjoy that meal—you’ve got this.
We have often brought cards, coloring, reading and sticker books out with us to avoid the use of screens.
Best Kid-Friendly Denver Restaurants
Denver Central Market
This vibrant food hall is a dream for families with picky eaters. With a variety of vendors offering everything from wood-fired pizza to fresh gelato, everyone can find something they love. Plus, the casual atmosphere and open seating make it easy to manage little ones.
Located at 2669 Larimer St, Denver, CO 80205
Why we love it? There is something to eat for everyone. It’s a little loud and bustling, so if anyone cries you won’t disturb the neighbors. It’s located in RiNo which is a fun place to visit and view all the grafiti art.
Homegrown Tap & Dough (Denver & Littleton)
A laid-back, family-friendly spot with wood-fired pizzas, fresh pasta, and plenty of space for kids. They’ve got an inviting, rustic vibe, plus arcade games to keep the kids entertained while you enjoy a local brew.
Littleton Location: 12622 W Ken Caryl Ave, Littleton, CO 80127
Denver Location: 1001 S Gaylord St, Denver, CO 80209
Why we love it? We frequent the Littleton location often. The service is fast and friendly with a great kid’s menu. There is an outdoor area with a fire pit as well as a small arcade room. Plus, you really can’t go wrong with pizza!
Park Burger
A go-to for families, thanks to its relaxed setting, delicious burgers, and kid-approved fries. They’ve got high chairs, friendly service, and a menu that caters to both adventurous eaters and those who just want a classic grilled cheese.
Three locations around Denver: The Highlands, Hilltop and Pearl Street
Why we love it? Burgers are a crowd pleaser but I personally love their cobb salad. The service is super fast and they have a fun, easy-going atmosphere.
Maria Empanada (Stanley Marketplace)
Perfect for a quick and tasty bite, Maria Empanada offers delicious, easy-to-hold hand pies in flavors kids and adults love. Located in the Stanley Marketplace, it’s an ideal spot to grab a snack before letting the kids explore the marketplace’s other fun shops and activities.
Located at 2501 Dallas Street, Aurora, CO 80010 (there are a couple other locations, but this the best for kids)
Why we love it? The food — delicious. The atmostphere — perfect for little kids! The entire Stanley Marketplace was built for families of small children with outdoor spaces, a beer hall and loads of spots to just run around and roam.
Snooze
This beloved breakfast spot is a must for families. With playful pancake flavors, friendly service, and a lively atmosphere, it’s a great place to start the day. Just be sure to go early—lines can get long, but it’s worth the wait!
You will find multiple locations across the Denver Metro area.
Why we love it? Every time we go to Snooze, it’s the wait staff that make it special. From allowing the kids to order special things and to literally playing games with them, I always leave feeling special and cared for at Snooze.